Ok, I think I've fixed it. Cleaned the contacts on the driver side fender ground point. Cleaned all headlight contacts. Solved issues 2 through 9; issue (1)was still a problem. Then I discovered my drivers side high beam lamp was burned out. Replaced the lamp, issue (1) was gone. Talk about why or how? I still can't figure the reasoning on this one. Thanks for all the input.

This will be tough to diagnose without a good wiring diagram (get the Volvo OEM diagram book ($30) which is superb). But don't forget your grounds: corrosion in the ground planes can cause all kinds of unwanted electrical issues. see the FAQ for details on how to clean them.
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See the 700/900 FAQ at the drop-down menu above right.

I like the suggestion to remove fuses 17-20 and see what happens when you try the running lights and directionals. You might put em back one by one to identify the specific leg causing the fault.
Then it's back to the schematic.


The rear right brake light can be the bulb out sensor-
Is the bulb out idiot light burnt out?

It's likely that your bulb out sensor is in need of soldering to fix the brake light.

You may have more than a single electrical fault

Yeah, this one is kind of crazy, and as I mentioned in my posts, the headlight wiper theory was my best guess.

Try this - with the key on, headlights on, wiper switch off (and wipers going, of course) pull the fuses for the headlights, one at a time, first the left, then the right. Which ever removal causes the wipers to stop, check the wiring on that side.

The only other place where I can see the wires getting close enough to cause this problem is in the fuse and relay tray area.

Another suspect area is the combo switch/stalk on the steering column - the wiper control is on the other side.

I have a pdf chart for the 89 740 - the wiring should be similar - if you need it, let me know and I'll e-mail it to you.